Media Advisory - Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Chan to open Centennial College's Culturama celebration

TORONTO, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, will be on hand at Centennial College's Progress Campus on Sunday, June 3 to open the college's Culturama event, celebrating the mosaic of cultures that call Ontario home.

Centennial's Culture and Heritage Institute will be hosting its very first "cultural bazaar" with interactive displays, multicultural demos, artisanal crafts, international foods, and live song and dance performances all under one roof. The public is invited to explore, sample and partake in the richness of Ontario's diverse cultures.

"I applaud the work of Centennial College in creating valuable and educational tourism and cultural experiences," says Minister Chan. "Culturama is a great example of how we celebrate, share and strengthen our diversity and help to make Ontario a great place to live, work and visit."

Over the past five years, Centennial's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture has experienced unprecedented growth in its programs, which prepare students for careers in any of the five tourism sectors: accommodation, food and beverage, travel services, and recreation and entertainment. Centennial is the first college in Canada to earn UNWTO TedQual certification by the United Nations World Tourism Organization for its program quality.

Culturama 2012 is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, June 3 at the Athletic and Wellness Centre at Centennial's Progress Campus (941 Progress Ave. east of Markham Rd.). The suggested $5 admission fee will be directed towards a college scholarship fund.

Photo Opportunity

When:	Sunday, June 3, 10 am - Formal opening
Who:	Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Ann Buller, President, Centennial College; Shyam Ranganathan,    Dean, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture
Where:	Athletic and Wellness Centre, Progress Campus Centennial College, 941 Progress Ave., Scarborough

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142; cell 416-605-6012/[email protected]